Enzo Maresca's monumental task is clear: carving his own legacy at Manchester City after Pep Guardiola's epochal reign. The Italian maestro, who claimed a treble with City in 2022-23 as part of the Catalan coach's staff, has already demonstrated his mettle with impressive stints at Leicester and Chelsea. But can he shrug off the weight of 20 titles in a decade under Guardiola and forge his own path?
One pressing concern for Maresca will be Rodri's future. The pivotal Spaniard, 29, has sent out mixed signals about his long-term commitment after recovering from a serious knee injury in September 2024, fuelling speculation of a significant transfer. Nottingham Forest's star midfielder Elliot Anderson, who shone for England at the World Cup, is reportedly on the cusp of a £116m move to the Etihad, a bold statement from City about their midfield ambitions.
Maresca must now get his team firing on all cylinders if they're to close the seven-point gap with Arsenal. The title showdown went down to the wire this season, with City's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth handing the Gunners the crown. Maintaining a consistency that would make Guardiola proud will be crucial for Maresca – and keeping his job – as he bids to avoid a David Moyes-style baptism of fire following Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United departure.
Beyond immediate results, Maresca needs the backing of City's hierarchy, including chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak, chief executive Ferran Soriano, and sporting director Hugo Viana. The club's mantra – no manager is bigger than the club – will be put to the test in this post-Guardiola era. For Maresca to succeed, he must have the trust of his employers, the buy-in from his players, and the freedom to adapt when needed.
Maresca also needs to address City's over-reliance on Erling Haaland for goals. While the Norwegian sensation has been instrumental in multiple titles, including a treble and Club World Cup triumph, his injury-prone nature raises questions about alternative goal threats. Developing a squad that can adapt and thrive without Haaland will be key to ensuring City's attacking prowess remains elite.